Battery

Battery Usage

A battery has two ratings:

* Reserve capacity.
* Cold cranking amperage.

Reserve Capacity

The reserve capacity estimates how long the vehicle can drive without generator output under the following conditions:

* With the headlamps turned on.
* With minimum electrical load (most of the accessories are turned off).

Reserve capacity is the maximum amount of time (in minutes) necessary for a charged battery to reach a terminal voltage of 10.5 volts. The battery must have been discharged at a constant rate of 25 amperes and a constant temperature of 27°C (80°F). The following factors affect the life of a battery:

* Temperatures
* Current draws
* The state of charge
* The condition of the battery

Cold Cranking Amperage

The Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA) determines the battery's ability to crank the engine in cold temperatures. The battery must maintain the minimum amperage rating for 30 seconds at -18°C (0°F) at 7.2 volts. A battery's performance will vary depending on the actual temperature.